“When it comes down to sprints, it will be a case of who feels best on the day or at the time; Nolan (Hoffman) or I.

“If the route suits me and the opportunity arises, I will take a chance,” he said.

“It will be the first time that Chris Jooste takes the role of leader in terms of general classification. He has a full team to support him. I will try to help him get a good result and maybe win the tour.”

Looking at the opposition, Hendricks said Nico Bell of NAD Pro MTB could be the biggest factor. Bell is the SA XCM marathon champion.

“Nico knows all the roads around here. He is always good. He’s been on the podium a few times and you can never write him off.”